Page 11 of The Fake Play

“Wish I was.”

He curses under his breath. “I didn't sign up for this.”

“It certainly wasn't my idea or my preference but we're both stuck with it. So you can either make this easy and cooperate, or you can make this difficult, and Whitney will have to step in. I'm pretty sure neither one of us wants that. It's your choice.”

He looks at me for a long moment, sizing me up. A slow grin spreads across his face. “Ok. I'll cooperate. As long as you're fun.”

“I am the opposite of fun. I’m sure you remember that from the bar. Or will I need to refresh your memory by pouring more beer onto your head?”

His lips twist into a smirk. “Guess I don’t need to get your number if you’re living with me.”

I snort out a laugh. “I'm here to babysit you, not entertain you. This is a business arrangement and nothing more. Understood?”

“Ma’am,” he mock-salutes me. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. Keep that attitude, and we’ll work together just fine.”

He relaxes his posture. “Sorry. I can’t hold that pose for long. I was never in the Army.”

“You’re in mine now, Luke. Best get used to it.”

“We'll see about that.” His grin turns mischievous .

I roll my eyes.

That tiny bit I thought we had in common? Gone.

We might be restarting our careers from the bottom, but we are very different people. He’s just like every jock I’ve ever met. Life is nothing but a game and not something to take too seriously.

I used to think that way.

Well, this isn’t a game. I’m going to watch him like a hawk. One wrong move and I’m reporting him to Whitney. Hopefully, that threat will be enough to keep him in line.

Chapter 5

Luke

The idea of Keke following me around, keeping tabs on my every move, doesn’t sit well with me.

I don’t like being watched. It’s why I didn't follow in my parents’ footsteps. During my brief stint as a child actor, I never got accustomed to the limelight, and it quickly became clear that I had no acting talent. Being the center of attention on the ice is one thing, but it is quite another to have eyes on you in an actor’s setting.

Hockey is in my blood and they had no other choice but to accept it.

After practice, I get a text from Whitney explaining the deal. If I behave for a month, she will loosen the leash. She didn’t elaborate on what that means. I guess this is better than dealing with Whitney directly. I respect her, but she has a reputation for being cold and calculated, the kind of woman who would put your balls in a vise and smile while doing it. Dealing with her directly is not my preferred option.

So, I’ve decided to cooperate. Getting Keke fired on the first day for doing her job means that I will no longer have a nanny. If I can get her to screw up she has no one to blame but herself. It’s the perfect plan, if a little thin on the details.

Unfortunately, I didn’t see her next move coming.

After practice, I hit the showers then linger for a bit in the locker room, hoping to shake my shadow. But Keke is eagerly waiting in the hall, ready to continue the first day of her new job.

Lucky me.

We walk side by side to the parking garage in silence. Our cars are parked fairly close, and when we reach hers, she gives me a stern look with strict instructions to not lose her as we exit and head back to my place.

The good news is I had replaced my Lambo with another, and her old sedan could not keep up as I pour through traffic making my way to the bar. When she vanishes from my rearview, I grin. The race with Lucas might have come to a draw, but at least I win this one.

Or at least I think I did.

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